Patent Application
20230075882
The present invention relates generally to specialized card games or more specifically, a digital or physical card game where combining words and pictures formulate idioms or phrases that are useful to learn and called out when combining words and pictures to win the meld and ultimately the game with the most winning number of melds. An example here of a winning meld would be a word card spelling: “rain” and a picture card displaying: “a cat and dog”; creating the idiom: “raining cats and dogs”. In addition, there are multiple or various “house rules” to be implemented by those who love the game, but the premise is to build idioms that are not meant to be taken literally, however are reflective of the cultural principles and values behind them. The game may be played at various paces so the game can be completed in a reasonable time frame, or at least before everyone loses interest.
The drawings are intended to be illustrative and symbolic representations of certain exemplary embodiments of the present invention and as such they are not necessarily drawn to scale. In addition, it is to be expressly understood that the drawings are not an absolute depiction and the various symbols and markings depicted in the drawings are exemplary in nature; and thus they may be varied and/or colored in a variety of different ways (not shown). Finally, figures and/or reference numerals have been used to designate features throughout the several views of the drawings.
The present invention relates generally to games and, more particularly, to games involving the use of playing cards and/or digital simulated playing cards. Specialized playing cards that require the player to pass, draw, discard, play and/or combine word cards and picture cards associated with the game to make idioms or phrases in order to win the game with the most sets of combinations. The present inventive card game combines intellect, skill, strategy, chance and improves mental acuity.
In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to playing the games using a plurality of the specialized playing cards or digital configuration described above. In one particular game variant (referred to as a “two person” match) the objective or goal is to compile seven complete melds before the opponent, to achieve the highest score to win the game. In this game variant each of the two players are dealt four picture cards and four word cards (a hand) with the banker (the table) receiving from the decks one picture card and one word card presented upward facing to start the game after (hands) are dealt for each player; a player may utilize the table's upward facing cards, as the same for discarded upward facing cards by players. The goal during each round is for each player to pass, draw, discard, play and/or combine word and picture cards (melds) until a winning count of allowed combinations has been made. The first player who completes the winning number of cards of allowed combinations wins the round, and a total score for each round is calculated based on the combinations of cards. In reference to
In other embodiments, the present invention is directed to playing the game in another particular variant (referred to as a “single person” match) where the objective or goal is the same as the aforementioned “two person” match. However, differences are that the dealt cards are face up and the objective or goal is to compile seven complete melds on one side of one's person all while giving turn to the other side of one's person before the opponent (the table) to achieve the highest score to win the game.
In another embodiment, the present invention in another particular game variant (referred to as “specialty or assistance” card in play) where a specialty card (wild) may be used to make up any word or picture of choice that is not readily available from the decks to make a meld. And whereas an assistance card (picture card conveying a complete idiom) may be used as a single meld; an assistance card is worth one point in and of itself.
In another embodiment, the present invention in another particular game variant (referred to as “party play”) where the setting is a group of people and where the objective or goal is to “name that idiom”. To wit, a presenter or opposing groups members select a meld (word and picture) for the group or opposing side to guess the proper idiom that aligns with the displayed combination. In this effort the group or individuals are compiling melds to win the game with the most winning intellectual guesses against the opponents.
In another embodiment, the present invention in another particular game variant (referred to as “digital” play) where the game is computer, software or code based. Further, all apply as mentioned above in other variants. Moreover, where the objective or goal in at least one application is to “name that idiom”. To wit, the application or opposing groups members select a meld (word and picture) for the a person, group or opposing side to guess the proper idiom that aligns with the displayed combination. In this effort the individual or group are compiling melds to win the game with the most winning intellectual guesses against the application or opponent.
Card games are commonly played by two to four persons with card suit faces resembling or bearing various Chinese or French symbols and designs. The playing cards are typically palm-sized for convenient handling and are drawn and discarded from a common pile called a deck, until one player wins. A full set of playing cards commonly contains 52 cards with each card having a unique symbol painted on its face. Most card games involve skill, strategy, and calculation, as well as a certain degree of luck (depending on the variation played, luck can be anything from a minor to a dominant factor in winning). Most card games are also popularly played as a gambling game. More specifically, and depending on the particular variation of the game, each player is dealt a number of cards in a hand. On their turn, players draw, play or discard at least one card, with the goal of winning.
In brief, the present invention in one embodiment is directed to a game that comprises a plurality of playing cards, wherein each card has displayed on one of its faces a picture, symbol or word origin that align with idioms that derived from pop culture. In addition, each card has displayed on its second face the title of the first and second suit. Stated somewhat differently, the objective of the game includes but is not limited to putting together as many word and picture combinations or complete sets of idioms or phrases as your hand will allow. An example of this sequence comprises but not limited to a picture such as “clouds with rain” and a word such as “pour.” The player with the advantage of this combination may play the hand and convey the idiom “when it rains it pours,” to acknowledge the claim to that meld, Subsequently moving the combination to the players accumulating pairs. With each turn, a player may pick up a card from either the word suit or picture suit, and then discards one card placed face up in the center of the table. At this point, in succession other players can choose to pass, play, draw or discard a card in accordance to their strategy and the one with the most combinations (melds) and/or empty hand at the end of each set wins.
One embodiment explains that there are at least two suits consisting of face cards displaying “words” and “pictures.” Some cards may as well be a set of other special function cards known as “assistance” cards. Thus, the innovative game of the present invention entwines words and picture playing cards associated with idioms of pop culture together with intellect, skill and chance.
These and other aspects of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those possessing ordinary skill in the art when reference is made to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
While the present invention has been described in the context of the embodiments illustrated and described herein, the invention may be embodied in other specific ways or in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. Therefore, the described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing descriptions, and all changes that come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63237802 | Aug 2021 | US |
